On March 18, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) Director of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra delivered testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee during a public hearing on Governor Sherrill’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 state budget. Ms. Chebra recognized several positive steps in the $60.7 billion proposal, including the administration’s commitment to making a full pension payment and investments that support shared services and government efficiency that can help reduce long-term property tax pressures on residents and businesses.

Ms. Chebra also emphasized the importance of ensuring that transportation investments benefit South Jersey communities. CCSNJ urged lawmakers to sustain funding for the new SJ Connects micro-transit pilot program, an initiative made possible by federal funding secured last year. The program, which will serve communities across the seven southern counties, is expected to launch later this spring and represents an important step toward improving mobility in a region often described as a “transit desert.”

Ms. Chebra raised concerns about several proposed tax policies that could negatively impact employers. She cautioned against the proposed Employer Healthcare Assistance Contribution, which would impose assessments on employers whose workers or their dependents are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, noting that eligibility is determined by household circumstances beyond an employer’s control.

Ms.Chebra also expressed concern over proposed changes to business taxes, including a temporary cap on Net Operating Loss deductions and the elimination of the Alternative Business Calculation adjustment for certain pass-through businesses. The Chamber urged the Legislature to carefully consider the potential economic impact of these proposals while working with the administration to maintain a competitive environment for job creators across South Jersey.



To read the CCSNJ's written testimony, click here.

To view the hearing, click here. The CCSNJ testimony begins at 49:47.

Please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Director, Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com if you have any questions.